Preparing PEG-impregnated crustacean specimens that retain the joint flexibilities

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  • 関節の可動性を保持した甲殻類のポリエチレングリコール含浸標本の作製
  • カンセツ ノ カドウセイ オ ホジ シタ コウカクルイ ノ ポリエチレングリコール ガンシン ヒョウホン ノ サクセイ

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Abstract

How we store or use the specimens in the museum collections strongly depends on the preparation methods. The drying and formalin/alcohol immersion have been the two major methods to prepare crustacean (Arthropoda) specimens. However, the former restricts the flexibility of the joints due to the desiccation of the soft tissues; and the latter causes the discoloration, remains botheration in periodic exchange of the solution, and require closed vessel to keep the specimen that wastes the space in the collection room. Here I propose a new preparation method for crustacean specimens to solve the above-mentioned problems. The specimen was prepared in the following steps: (1) fixation in 10% formalin solution; (2) impregnation into 50% 400-polyethylene glycol solution; and (3) desiccation. The specimen prepared in this new method retained the mobility of the joint. This method also has an advantage in saving the space in the collection room compared with the formalin/alcohol fixed specimens. The colors of the specimens were not faded for more than one year after the preparation. The preservation of crustacean specimens using 400-polyethylene glycol solution is expected to be one of the useful methods for the museum collections.

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